Shia Muslim Foundation attends White House National Security Council briefing on Israel - Gaza

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rahat Husain, Executive Director of the Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF), attended a briefing with the White House National Security Council on Friday, October 13, 2023. The meeting, facilitated by Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer, gathered various Muslim and civic rights organizations, all unified by profound concern regarding the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza amidst Israel's continued military campaign.

In a candid conversation, attendees highlighted the devastating situation faced by civilians in Gaza, urging for strong diplomatic efforts to ease the humanitarian crisis. Personal stories brought a somber reality to the meeting: participants shared that they had family in Palestine and were painfully unaware of whether their loved ones were alive or not.

The situation on US college campuses was also discussed, with a clear message: the White House must take steps to safeguard Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian students from hostility and ensure they have a safe learning environment.

Rhetoric against the Muslim community, from both political parties, was compared to the Islamophobia experienced after the 9/11 attacks. This, participants pointed out, was horrifying and unacceptable and that the White House was urged take action to protect American Muslims.

The Shia Muslim Foundation calls upon the White House to push for a cease fire in the region. There are reports that countless Palestinian children have been killed in the past week during these hostilities. Children should never be the casualties of conflict. Regardless of their heritage or country of origin, every child deserves a future and no legitimate goal can ever be accomplished by the deaths of children.

Prominent Muslim American leaders have insightful discussion with Scottish Senior Imam

In a recent meeting, a diverse group of Muslim leaders convened to deliberate on pivotal challenges and prospects confronting the broader Muslim community in the U.S. Central to the discussions were themes surrounding the role of the Muslim American communities in the United States, Europe and around the world.

The distinguished attendees included Dr. Hassan Abbas, Professor of International Security Studies at National Defense University and author of "The Prophet's Heir: The Life of Ali Ibn Abi Talib"; Lutfe Hasan, Chairman/CEO of the Apex Group of Companies; Mehdi Hasan, renowned author of "Win Every Argument" and host of MSNBC's The Mehdi Hasan Show; Dr. Azmat Husain, President of UMAA; Mr. Rahat Husain, Executive Director of Shia Muslim Foundation; His Excellency Rashad Hussain, the United States Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom; Mr. Farooq Mitha, Director of the Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP); and Dr. Sayed Ali Abbas Razawi, Chief Imam and Director-General of the Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society.

The convergence of such dynamic personalities underscores a collective dedication to navigate, address, and shape the multifaceted challenges and opportunities facing the broader Muslim community, including Sunni and Shia around the world. Their synergistic approach reinforces the vital importance of representation, dialogue, and active participation in the socio-political landscape.

Community leaders Engage with Ambassador Masood Khan on Shia Community Concerns in Pakistan

AUGUST 24, 2023 - WASHINGTON, D.C. — Taking a pivotal step in addressing the concerns of the Shia diaspora in the U.S. pertaining to the prevailing situation in Pakistan, esteemed leaders from the American Shia community recently convened with Pakistan's Ambassador, His Excellency Masood Khan.

The high-profile dialogue, hosted at the Pakistani Embassy, was graced by notable figures such as Mr. Ali Shah Bukhari, Secretary of Mohammadia Center; Sheikh Abdul Jalil Nawee, Resident Alim of Idara Jaferia; Mr. Azmat Husain, President of UMAA; Maulana Sayed Sulaiman Hasan, Resident Alim and Trustee of Al- Asr Masjid; Mr. Rahat Husain, Executive Director of Shia Muslim Foundation; Mr. Waseem Naqvi, Trustee of Imam Ali Center, and Mr. Adil Rizvi, Secretary of Idara Jaferia.

The core discussion centered around the deep concerns over sectarian challenges in Pakistan, notably the disproportionate impacts on the Shia community. Emphasis was placed on the potential implications of the 'Tauheen a Sahaba Bill and Law' and its possible misuse, drawing connections with the recent unfortunate events linked to blasphemy laws.

During the dialogue at the Pakistani Embassy, a pivotal moment was the hand delivery of a comprehensive letter from SMF to Ambassador Masood Khan formalizing the content of the meeting itself.

Commenting on the significance of the dialogue, Mr. Azmat Husain, President of UMAA, expressed, “Our community's deep-rooted connection to Pakistan drives our desire for its harmony and progress. We ardently hope our insights resonate and contribute towards a unified Pakistan.”

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Rahat Husain, Executive Director of Shia Muslim Foundation, stated, “Our intent is clear - to cultivate a dialogue that culminates in positive, tangible outcomes. We have immense respect and optimism for Pakistan's trajectory, and addressing these pivotal concerns is essential for that envisioned path.”

Ambassador Khan recognized and acknowledged the insights shared during the discussion, and thanked the attendees for presenting their concerns. The Ambassador vowed to continue dialogue and to present these concerns to top officials in Pakistan's government.